doclette

Hello all, I'm an american citizen and have traveled quite a bit at this point. I've been interested in going to Iran for a while now, but there's always something up politically or a different place to go instead. I'm thinking of taking a guided tour of Iran in May. I called the embassy and they said that if I have an authorization from the tour company, then they will give me a visa. The tour agency said they will get the authorization form for me. So, I guess, the logistics are in place.

I have yet to book the trip. I'm hesitant only because for whatever reason, I don't want to get detailed for being an american citizen. I know the chances of that happening are next to nothing, but still in this day and age, anything is possible.

Am I being paranoid given the circumstances, or smart?

Question - Would you go on a tour of Iran in the next few months? I could consider waiting until the travel ban is sorted, but then I feel something else will come up.

thursdaysd

I might be more concerned about being detained on the way back...

I have put off travel to Iran several times, and regret it.

MinnBeef

I am also American and have developed a recent interest in wanting to visit Iran. I'd be lying if I didn't saying I'd be a bit nervous about it but I've already traveled to Turkey (twice) and Morocco, so do have some experience living, albeit briefly in an Islamic culture. The fact you will be part of a tour group (required by the Iranian govt, as I understand it for American citizens) should provide you some peace of mind.. I would research your travel company extensively (which you perhaps already have) but if they have good reviews, particularly from other Americans, I say go for it. I would love to read your future trip report if you do and hopefully, follow in your footsteps.

welltraveledbrit

Hi dolcette,

We went to Iran in July 2003 right after the invasion of Iraq. Tensions were running high and with the exception of my husband we met no Americans traveling to what had of course been dubbed the "Axis of Evil".

New times, different President not much has changed. If you go to Iran I'm sure you'll experience the warm welcome we found there. Iranians are very generous, interested people they are capable of distinguishing between the government and the people in the United States. If only our government afforded them the same luxury. I wouldn't hesitate to go there but I realize I'm not a very cautious person - after all we went to Syria in March 2011 and have just returned from Sudan. As Thursdaysd suggested after all the places I've visited my concerns are currently about returning to the US !

I do get that things are a little different for Americans, as I mentioned my husband is American and Jewish too which may be a a consideration.However I don't think that should stop you. Iran is a popular destination with Europeans and even Rick Steves has covered it on his show. I think you're right to say that something will always come up, we hesitates on Yemen and Libya when we had the opportunity and I regret it. Incidentally we had no difficulty with the visa which came through once we had the paperwork from our Iranian travel agent. Iran is one of those destination where a customized private tour for two with a local agent may be cheaper than a group tour through a US company.

I posted a trip report here but it has been so long I'm not sure if it's still around so here's a link to it archived on my blog!

http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2011/...iran-2003.html

aryazdani

Hiya,

Answer is You'll be fine and don't worry about anything.

There are a lot of Americans go to Iran every year. Just make sure you go in a tour only because it is government's rule towards certain nationalities that they need to be in a tour. Although that does not stop an Iranian sponsoring an American for a visit.

Despite the negative atmosphere media creats around Iran for political reasons, it is a very safe country to visit.

I am not sure what is this forum's policy in posting URLs, but you can find very good tour companies inside the country.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions if you have any.

thursdaysd

Posting links is fine if, and only if, they are not advertising. So no, you may not post a link to your tour company.

cordeliajc

Hi!

I went to Iran last fall because I thought it would be better to go before the election. If I were you and could get a visa, I would go. I had a good time and enjoyed the trip very much, especially meeting and taking photos of the people.

Some friends came back from a trip in March, with a different group, and also had a great time.

Security was much tighter in Egypt, which I visited early this year.

If you are a reader, you might like Fall of Heaven (about the shah) and Saffron Tales (about the food).

There is no time like the present! Go and enjoy!